Can tooth sensitivity be related to sinus problems?!


Question:

Can tooth sensitivity be related to sinus problems?

I have a single upper tooth that is super-sensitive to hot or cold.

I assumed that it had cracked or had a leaking filling, so I went to my dentist. He could find nothing wrong with the tooth and after looking at that x-ray, suggested that it could possibly be related to a cronic sinus problem. It seems the nerve from this tooth passes close by the sinus cavity. Now a few months later, the tooth is still sensitive. I'm not sure if I should get a root canal or go see an ENT.


Answers:

One of the symptoms of a sinus infection is pain in the upper teeth. Frequently, all the teeth seem to have a dull ache, or it may be only on one side. In some instances, it can be limited to a single tooth. I have had patients come in complaining of upper tooth pain that's from a sinus infection, and lower tooth pain that's referred pain from the throat or ear. (It works the other way, too. Tooth pain can be referred to the ear or sinuses.)

If there's any question that it's a sinus infection rather than a problem with your tooth, make an appointment with an ENT to find out for sure. (If you have a regular physician or clinic, they can take a look at you, too.) A cheap way to find out if it's possibly a sinus infection is to get one of the "sinus headache" OTC medications. These combine a decongestant plus a pain killer. If you take one of these for a couple of days and the pain subsides, it could point to a sinus problem. (NOTE: to get rid of a sinus infection, you often need to be put on antibiotics, do saline sprays to encourage drainage, etc. You need to see a doctor to help you get rid of it entirely.)

Good luck!

PS I get sinus infections, and just writing about this is making my teeth ache!!




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